Peat smoke
Cherry
Dark berries
Warm spice

Everyday Low

Rabbit Ranch Pinot Noir

Name: Rabbit Ranch Pinot Noir 750ml
SKU: 104997
Price: 23.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

Wine · New Zealand · 750ml · 13%

$23.99each

What it tastes like

A Central Otago Pinot Noir in a soft, fruit forward, low tannin style, with hints of briar patch and a whiff of smoke.

Peat smoke
Cherry
Dark berries
Warm spice

Additional information

Wine
Style: New Zealand
Origin: 750ml
Size: 13% ABV
Alcohol: 0.8 per bottle
Standard drinks

The story of Rabbit Ranch Pinot Noir

Rabbit Ranch is a Central Otago Pinot Noir made from vineyards that were all once part of a single high country sheep station. The vineyards are mostly around Lowburn in the Cromwell Basin, on light, stony soils left by an old glacial riverbed. The label tells a tale of a Mr McGregor, a station overrun by rabbits, and a decision to plant vines instead.

The wine is made by Chard Farm, the Gibbston winery whose winemaker is John Wallace, according to a 2019 profile on Wine Anorak. That profile noted that a good share of the fruit is bought in from contract growers and that Rabbit Ranch was the region's biggest seller by volume.

Central Otago is the world's southernmost commercial wine region, sheltered by mountains and the only part of New Zealand with a truly continental climate. Pinot noir makes up more than 80 per cent of what is planted there.

Rabbit Ranch is an early-release, fruit-driven style that is approachable rather than weighty. Retailers describe it as soft and juicy, and suggest lamb, roast duck or game. Serve it a little cooler than room temperature.